P. Flynn announced today the arrests of 4 persons charged by Complaint with operating massage parlor or acupressure spa establishments as fronts for prostitution by aliens and then failing to file the requisite factual statement with the appropriate immigration authorities, and conspiring to do the same. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Moscati stated that the Complaint alleges the defendants employed Asian females in 4 different massage parlor or acupressure locations identified as "spas," but at which the women also provided various sexual acts to customers. In addition to the 4 defendants, law enforcement authorities have rescued 9 Asian women from these locations who will be afforded victim services from both law enforcement and non-government organizations as appropriate.

This case was brought as part of the District's Human Trafficking Task Force and Alliance (WDNY HTTFA). In November, 2006, the Attorney General announced the creation of this task force in the Western District of New York, one of 42 nationwide. The WDNY HTTFA is a collaboration of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and non-government service organizations working together to identify, rescue and assist victims of human trafficking, human smuggling and
other civil and human rights offenses in the 17 Counties of the District, through aggressive investigation, prosecution, training, education and outreach to law enforcement, non-government organizations, vulnerable and affected persons and the general public.

The Indictment was the culmination of a 15 month, joint investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Laurie Bennet and Department of Homeland Security CBP, under the direction of James Englemann , and was also assisted by Department of Homeland
Security ICE, Erie County Sheriff's Department, Niagara County Sheriff's Office, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Dept. In addition, The International Institute of Buffalo assists the Task Force by providing and coordinating assistance to victims as needed. The matter will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Moscati, who is the Leader of the District's Human Trafficking Task Force and Alliance.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.